Opinion: Watches in Finance

Hey monkeys,

Bonuses are coming up for many IB analysts (if we can even call them bonuses this year) and buyside associates and thought now is a good time to bring up this conversation. What are some nice watches that you can wear at every level of your career assuming you don’t come from money and are still budget conscious? What are your favorite watches at different price points (under $500, under $5k, under $20k, $20k+)? What would you absolutely stay away from? Feel free to mention what activity you would pair the watch with e.g., I wouldn’t wear the same watch to a nice dinner that I would on a night I’m getting schwifty in Brooklyn.

 
Most Helpful
  • Under $500: Orient, Seiko, Swatch (Sistem51 Irony collection)
  • Under $5k: Tudor (Rolex’s sister company), Oris, Nomos
  • Under $20k: Rolex, IWC, Bulgari, Cartier, entry level Vacheron Constantin, entry level Jaeger LeCoultre, maybe entry level Patek (calatrava series)
  • Over $20k: Patek, AP, baseline to high end, Vacheron and Jaeger, precious metals/vintage Rolex Daytonas

As for watches to stay away from: Anything that runs on batteries in this price range- there’s nothing wrong with them, and if you prefer a watch that ticks that is totally fine as your call, but I wouldn’t spend these prices for something like those. If you want a battery powered watch then I’d recommend paying no more than $200. That being said, some great brands include Casio/G-shock, Timex, Citizen.

Maybe some other brands/models to keep away from: Bell & Ross (these watches stand out a bit too much and imo aren’t worth their price tag since the movements aren’t in house), maybe anything Titanium from IWC (the markups are huge and they are known more for their pilots watches made of stainless steel or DLC coated which are more desired). Another brand to stay away from in the top tier pricing could be something like Jacob&Co, Richard Mille, and Hublot- this is probably a hot take because if you have the money to spend on these brands you probably don’t give a fuck what others think, but in the world of finance I think they are out of place and should be more for celebs like movie stars and athletes.

Hope this helps and starts off a great thread!

 
The Bro of Wallstreet

Hey monkeys,

Bonuses are coming up for many IB analysts (if we can even call them bonuses this year) and buyside associates and thought now is a good time to bring up this conversation. What are some nice watches that you can wear at every level of your career assuming you don't come from money and are still budget conscious? What are your favorite watches at different price points (under $500, under $5k, under $20k, $20k+)? What would you absolutely stay away from? Feel free to mention what activity you would pair the watch with e.g., I wouldn't wear the same watch to a nice dinner that I would on a night I'm getting schwifty in Brooklyn.

So I’ll comment on the $20k+. At that level I’d avoid the “jewelry” pieces (I.e. Rolex precious metal Daytona, Cartier, etc). 

You have the usual suspects: ALS, Patek, AP. My personal preference would be Patek chronograph, world time, or perpetual, but now you are in the $70-150k range 

Mainstream but a bit below: JLC

Then you have your independents which I’d bucket into three groups:

Classic: Voutilainen, Laurent Ferrier, Parmigiani (usually a bit more affordable), Gronefeld

More affordable and a bit different: Moser, Ludovic Ballouard

Crazier stuff: Greubel Forsey, MB&F, Romain Gauthier 

 

wearing a rolex gold datejust is basically asking to get mugged in nyc

 

As long as you aren't wearing a watch thieves know are nice watches (aka any Rolex, a Speedy Pro or AP Royal Oak) you'll be fine. I can guarantee you no one knows 90% of the watch brands mentioned in this thread and definitely won't think that they are 4 or 5 figures. When I tell people I like watches and some of them can be pricey they think that means spending $350 on a watch instead of $50, not spending $12k on one. 

 

I just stick to my Seiko for more formal occasions and wear a Tag Formula 1 out casually and for work.

 

Buy what you will like to wear but also understand the stereotype behind what you are going to buy before you buy it.

Personally, a Cartier tank or JLC reverso are amazing dress watches you can take to work or to the bar that show you're a person who's into watches without being flashy or super expensive.

Also not big targets for theft if you stick with stainless steel.

 

A great watch in the 500-1000 range is the Tissot PRX. Great watch with a refined look. Gets compliments from seniors all the time thinking its more expensive than it is. 

5k range has the Grand Seikos which are really nice watches that will get the attention of any watch guy, but most people wearing watches that arent really into them wont notice. In that range is also the Omega Speedmaster which is a great choice. 

20k range is Rolex territory and if you are just trying to get looks, probably the best choice. It seems like the datejust with the jubilee bracelet and fluted bezel is the common choice for bankers in the 10-20k range. Somewhat flashy and most people would notice it. 

 

The Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra and Cartier Santos (mid-size, not the two tone) are excellent options at a mid-level pricepoint. Both are, in my opinion, timeless and extremely versatile. The Omega is particularly interesting for those who want to fly under the radar, and the Cartier offers something more unique with an awesome history behind it (look it up if you're not familiar with Cartier's history as a watchmaker).

I've never once felt out of place wearing the aqua terra. It looks great, is incredibly well built, and is a true "do it all" watch.

 

The new Christopher Ward twelve is fantastic. Love the light blue and the pattern on the dial is sick. Trying to get my hands on one ASAP.

 

People have said it a few times but I think Omega is a great value. I currently wear a more or less vintage Omega, it's an Omega Seamaster Cosmic 2000 from the 70's. Still looks great, I think, and with the stainless steel bracelet I wear it all the time. Great piece and also pretty low key.

Orient, is another decent watch, it was the first watch I really bought for myself. I view it as a starter level automatic watch, you can buy it for under $200 and see if you want to upgrade later but looks great for the price.

My second watch was a Glycine, I think I got mine for around $300. It's own by Invicta but I think still largely independent for the most part. Then I got my Omega.

 

I don't really pay attention to other peoples watches unless they are wearing something exceptionally different or uncommon etc...so if you want something like that without buying vintage here is my list;

Under $50

- Casio A168

Under $100

- Casio GA2100 Series

Under $250

- Timex Q GMT

Under $500

- Seiko Cocktail Time Series

Under $1000

- Tissot PRX Series

Under $2500

- Junghans Max Bill

Under $5000

- Christopher Ward Bel Canto

Under $10,000

- Cartier Tank

Under $25,000

- A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Thin

 

I want to buy the Omega Seamaster pro. Dial looks awesome with the waves and back is clear so can see the movement which is super cool.

ALSO I WILL LITERALLY BE JAMES BOND “OI, I GOTTA GO AND PROTECT THE QUEEN, BLOODY HELL OF A JOB ‘INNIT. SOUNDS LIKE A JOB FOR BOND, JAMES BOND”

 

What are your favorite women’s watches at different price points?

 

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